Quick disconnect fitting for coupling interchangeable probe tip to laparoscopic instrument

Abstract

A medical device is herein described for provision of a pressurized fluid through interchangeable probes. In the preferred embodiment of this medical device, the interchangeable probes are mounted to a handset having a quick disconnect/reconnect mount which not only permits rapid attachment and removal of such probes to the handset, but also the freedom of change in orientation of the probe relative to the handset to accommodate variable condition/requirements of an operative procedure and clinician preferences. In the preferred embodiment of this invention, quick disconnect/reconnect mount of this invention permits rotational movements of the probe tip while preserving sealing engagement thereof to the handset.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A combination surgical valve and surgical probe, said combination comprising: a surgical probe including a probe shaft, said surgical probe further including an attachment member, said attachment member secured to said probe shaft;   a surgical valve having an inlet and an outlet;   said surgical valve further including a first probe mount member operatively associated with said outlet of said surgical valve;   said probe mount member and said attachment member operatively associated with one another, respectively, providing for rapid engagement or disengagement of said surgical probe to said surgical valve;   engaging means including a groove defined by an inner surface portion of said attachment member and a corresponding collar disposed on an outer surface portion of said probe mount member, said groove and said collar operatively associated with each other to provide a frictional engagement between said attachment member and said probe mount member; and   an o-ring assembly including a notch defined by an outer surface portion of said probe mount member and a second groove defined by an inner surface portion of said attachment member, said notch and second groove housing an o-ring, when said attachment member is removeably secured to said probe mount member said o-ring assembly providing a sealed and aligned relationship between said attachment member and said probe mount member.   
     
     
       2. The combination surgical valve and surgical probe of claim 1 further including a second probe mount member disposed opposite of said first probe member, said first probe member and said second probe member constructed integral with said surgical valve. 
     
     
       3. An interchangeable probe system for use with a surgical valve assembly having an inlet and an outlet and an accepting member operatively associated with the outlet of said surgical valve, said interchangeable probe system comprising: a surgical probe including a probe shaft and a shaft attachment member, said attachment member being secured to said probe shaft;   an adaptor means having a first end and a second end, said first end of said adaptor means being shaped for operative association with the accepting member and said second end of said adaptor means being shaped for operative association with said attachment member; and   sealing means for preventing the passage of liquid between said adaptor means and said attachment member;   wherein said sealing means is an o-ring assembly including a notch defined by an outer surface portion of said second end of said adaptor means and a second groove defined by an inner surface portion of said attachment member, said notch and second groove housing an o-ring, when said attachment member is removeably secured to said second end of said adaptor means said o-ring assembly providing a sealed and aligned relationship between said attachment member and said adaptor means.   
     
     
       4. An interchangeable probe system for use with a surgical valve assembly having an inlet and an outlet and an accepting member operatively associated with the outlet, said interchangeable probe system comprising: a surgical probe including a probe shaft, said surgical probe further including a shaft attachment member, said attachment member secured to said probe shaft, said attachment member having an inner surface portion defining a groove;   an adaptor means having a first end and a second end, said first end of said adaptor means being shaped for operative association with the probe accepting member and said second end of said adaptor means being shaped for operative association with said attachment member, said second end of said adaptor means having a collar disposed on an outer surface portion of said second end, said groove and said collar operatively associated with each other to provide a frictional engagement between said attachment member and said adaptor means; and   an o-ring assembly to prevent the passage of liquid between said adaptor means and said attachment member, said assembly including a notch defined by an outer surface portion of said second end of said adaptor means and a second groove defined by an inner surface portion of said attachment member, said notch and second groove housing an o-ring, when said attachment member is removeably secured to said second end of said adaptor means said o-ring assembly providing a sealed and aligned relationship between said attachment member and said adaptor means.   
     
     
       5. The interchangeable probe system of claim 4 wherein an outer surface portion of said first end of said adaptor means has a male threaded member for mating with a threaded inner surface portion of the probe accepting member when said adaptor means is removeably secured to said receiving means.